Tiffany Henschel
Graphic Designer + Design Researcher
Powerful Miguelo is a connected, embedded, and interactive device intended for rooftop gardens among primary schools in Mexico City.
It operates using cell phone technology, and can measure moisture, temperature, and light values. There is also a lever on the device so that children can see an immediate change from plant to plant. It also records live data and uploads it to the cloud on Analog.io, where children can track progress and compare with other schools. Our hope is that this device has the potential to connect kids from across the city, providing a way to educate/learn/make and have a close relationship with the food and plants that they grow.
Miguelo, that has the potential to connect, record and stream data across the city on an ever-increasing low-cost cellular network
Background
Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis of over 20 million people, full of rich culture and deep history. Novelist Carlos Fuentes once called it "Makesicko City" due to its pollution; in 1992 the U.N. named it the most polluted city in the world. Since then, carbon monoxide levels have decreased 90%. Roof gardens, called "azotecas verdes", are one of the many solutions to sustain lower pollution levels in the city as they absorb heat, boost energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. The government plans to dramatically increase the number of green roof projects, which covered more than 6,000 square meters last year, with the goal of planting 100,000 square meters by the end of the project — mainly targeting schools and hospitals.
In addition, the high elevation of Mexico City allows for several microclimates in the region; precipitation can vary greatly from one side of the city to another.
Process
This project was completed in partnership with Justine Esquivel.
Tools Used
Particle Photon
Netlab Toolkit
analog.io
Particle IDE (Java)
Bukobot 3D Printer
Laser Cutter
Micro Servo
Light sensors
Moisture sensor